Laurel Oak

Depending on who you ask, there are two laurel oaks in Florida.  Q. laurifolia (swamp laurel oak) and Q. hemisphaerica (Darlington oak, sand laurel oak). 

The taxonomists don't agree, and it appears that the two are distinctively different in north Florida but very much alike in southern and south Florida.

They are separated here because one is a wetland and floodplain plant, the other grows in dry uplands.  Some authors note that regardless of ID, they get planted without much regard for origin or drainage.



Often grown as a specimen tree, fast growing.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.



Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Somewhat weak, and compared to live oak, short-lived.

Produces acorns that are used by rodents, including squirrels, and other mammals

Acorns used by woodpeckers, jays, and wild turkeys.

High in tannins.

Used for cover and nesting by a variety of bird species

River floodplains, secondary woods.

• Larval host for Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) and White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album).
• Larval host for several moth species (some of the caterpillars are not appreciated)